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December 18, 2012

Giving Back This Christmas

Last Saturday, my friends and I finally had the chance to visit Akay Kalinga once again. Though it has only been two months since we last visited, it seemed such a long time. It warmed my heart to see the kids and their smiling faces again. Every time we visit, they always make it a point to greet us at the entrance. It's something that tugs at my heartstrings - how genuinely happy they look when they see us. I was even more touched when I realized that they didn't forget our names even if we haven't been visiting them as much as before. <3

All in all, we had 39 gifts to give away. I can never ever stop thanking the kind people who heeded our calls for donations. Though we did our part in advertising our cause, only a few people noticed us. I realized it's really difficult to move people to share to their fellow men. I used to brush off this notion that there is an abundance of apathy among us, but now, I've experienced it firsthand. It frustrates me, but the thought that there are still those who actually care about others makes me happy.

We didn't stay really long because other organizations were scheduled to visit the center on that day. Even if it was only for a while, I felt really good about what we did. I was happy that it actually came out as a success and that we fulfilled our goal: putting a smile on the faces of these kids. It was really nice to see the anticipation in their faces as they held their wrapped presents, the gratitude in their eyes as they received something and the way their faces lit up as they eagerly opened their gifts. I noticed the most of the kids were careful when opening their presents. They didn't just tear them open, they neatly unwrapped their presents and returned the contents after seeing what was inside. I salute them for not being wasteful. ^_^

I'm inviting everyone to also find ways to give back this holiday season. One of my major subject teachers told us that it's better to be at the giving end than otherwise, so let's be thankful by remembering to help those who are not as fortunate as most of us. Believe me, you'll gain just as much. A Jesuit priest once shared to us that happiness is like a perfume. You can't spray it on others without getting some on yourself. That's exactly what happens when you do charity work. Happy holidays! :D